Al’s Heating and Air

Al took the money and never came back.

It was over a week before I heard from him again. He did finally come back with a check for me paying me my money back. He's not even licensed. New York needs to know about this man. He will rip you off or at least try to like he did me. As a retaliation against me he called the building department on me. If he can't rip you off he will retaliate in whatever way possible. He's very deceiving in his company names as well.

On October 27, 2011, Mr. Al Lakas was asked to look at the boiler in our house because it wouldn't start. Mr. Lakas determined that it had to be replaced, and that he could do it for $6000. We agreed and gave Mr. Lakas $3000 deposit. Mr. Lakas drew a quick, handwritten contract on his stationary and parted. Days later, Mr. Lakas removed the old boiler and said that the new boiler will be installed three days later. While waiting for the new boiler, we requested that the boiler delivery be delayed until the boiler is registered and certified by the NYC Department of Buildings (a requirement of the law). After delivery, we would pay the balance. Having been victimized in the past by disappearing contractors, we wanted to be assured that everything was in order before we paid the balance. After this request was made to Mr. Lakas, Mr. Lakas protested but agreed. Weeks and weeks passed with no word from Mr. Lakas and the weather grew colder. He would never return calls except for once when he said he was waiting for the certification. Meanwhile, we suffered in a cold house. After several weeks of waiting with virtually no communication, we, in desperation, canceled the order and requested our deposit back, less the cost of the removal of the old boiler and other expenses. Mr. Lakas never called again. Despite several attempts to get a hold of him he wouldn't call back and, as of this writing, hasn't returned the deposit.